In this blog, you will learn:
- How to be a Town Planner without a relevant degree.
The key skills local authorities look for in a Town Planner.
Where the latest planning jobs are and how to apply for them.
For aspiring Town Planners there are a number of ways to pursue a career within town planning that do not require a relevant university degree. Although additional effort may be required if not pursuing a traditional university route, it is possible for individuals to have a very successful career within town planning.
In our latest blog, we’re exploring the routes to entry that do not involve a degree and the key skills that local authorities look for in a Town Planner.
How can people become a Town Planner without a relevant degree?
Ways in which aspiring Town Planners can do this include:
- Gaining experience through entry level roles.
- Developing transferable skills in other areas.
- Volunteering to enhance expertise.
- Networking.
Gaining experience through entry level roles
For individuals hoping to pursue a successful career in town planning, valuable experience can be gained through completing an entry-level role, such as a Planning Technician, or providing a local planning authority with administrative support.
Pursuing this route into town planning is an effective way for aspiring Town Planners to enhance their knowledge surrounding planning policy, gain experience within planning applications and build themselves a strong network of experienced planning professionals.
This route into town planning is also effective for those wishing to obtain professional accreditation from the Royal Town Planning Institute and become a Chartered Town Planner.
For those who gain experience through an entry level role, rather than pursuing a university degree, they are able to develop their skills in the real-world, learn from experienced planning professionals and avoid the outcome of student debt.
Hands-on experience is highly desirable to local authorities and private planning organisations which is why it is never a bad idea for an aspiring Town Planner to gain experience through an entry level position.
Work experience is also a fantastic way to develop skills in town planning without embarking on a university degree. Work experience could be pursued within an environmental agency or private planning firm.
Developing transferable skills in other areas
For those seeking a career in town planning without a relevant degree, developing the key skills required to be a good Town Planner through alternative methods is advised.
There are a number of school subjects such as Geography, Mathematics and Politics that can equip the younger generation with transferable skills to succeed in town planning.
Relevant skills might also be acquired during roles within property management, environmental consultancy, housing management or transport planning. Each of these important roles involve building skills and knowledge around regulatory compliance, the process of planning and effective communication with stakeholders. All of these skills will benefit a Town Planner and can be transferred from one role to another.
By developing transferable skills rather than pursuing a university degree, aspiring Town Planners are able to gain real life experience in a similar field and potentially earn themselves an income as they do so.
Volunteering to enhance expertise
Volunteering is another advised method to help aspiring Town Planners enhance their expertise and develop the skills needed to stand out to hiring managers.
Showing willingness to volunteer will demonstrate to local authorities and private planning organisations that an individual is passionate about the planning sector and making positive changes to communities throughout the UK.
Local community projects and neighbourhood planning groups are valuable places to provide volunteering opportunities and relevant hands-on experience. For those who have little to no experience within town planning, they are the perfect place to gather insights into planning processes, planning regulations, environmental awareness and land use.
Volunteering might also allow aspiring Town Planners the chance to hone their research, communication, analytical and project management skills.
Planning recruitment specialist, Joel Khambay, says, “Volunteering is also a great way to get a foot in the door and if an individual showcases themselves as a promising planning professional, they may discover opportunities they never would have known existed.”
Networking
Building valuable connections across the planning sector is important for any aspiring Town Planners, whether they pursue a university degree or not. Whether it’s face to face at industry events or online via platforms such as LinkedIn, networking is a beneficial way to engage with experienced professionals who can offer valuable insights into the UK planning sector.
What are the key skills local authorities look for in Town Planners?
There are a number of key skills that can be developed through volunteering, networking and pursuing entry level roles that local authorities value from aspiring Town Planners. For example, pursuing volunteering opportunities can help aspiring Town Planners to develop their problem-solving skills. This skill is essential for resolving disputes which might arise if a community opposes development plans. Strong communication skills must also be developed in order to effectively gain the trust of local residents.
A robust understanding surrounding planning legislation and policies, such as the National Planning Policy Framework, is also essential in order to navigate regulations and ensure that plans and developments are compliant and meet the relevant safety standards.
Town Planners will also benefit from comprehensive decision-making skills. The ability to make informed decisions based on public interest, that find a suitable balance between supporting the local economy and enhancing environmental awareness, is another important skill for Town Planners.
Proficient digital skills such as the ability to use Geographical Information Systems will also impress local authorities when they are looking to expand their town planning department.
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